I've had a few requests to bring back some fashion related posts. As a few of you may know, Payton Place started out as a fashion blog in its first life, and since starting my business as a stylist, and being a model, I'm constantly surrounded by clothes and the people who love them. So, I'll be introducing more style related posts alongside my lifestyle blogs as well. I will have more time to write these now that I have my own office out of our cute little home!
Last night, my boyfriend, Nathan took me to go see the Stones. The night was truly a magical experience (dare I say it? Spiritual.) and I had a marvelous time. However, between the CMA week I worked (styling photo shoots, wardrobe assisting for live shows, and a never ending train of quick changes) I couldn't help but wonder where the real style was! We were in an arena full of people waiting to see one of the, if not the greatest living touring rock band of all time, and I found myself surrounded by fanny packs, sneakers, and sweatpants.
Although it was an inferno inside the stadium, I did see a few people who managed to get it right as far as appropriate attire goes. Here are a few tips to get you through the rest of the summer concerts you'll attend that will make you feel like you're with the band!
Consider your environment, the venue/the venue's rules.
Last night, the arena did not allow women to carry in large purses. This is a new safety measure at numerous events due to contraband being snuck in over the last few years at a few events. However, there are many alternatives to remedy this situation. Invest in a high quality, cross-body bag that you can wear for long periods of time without damaging your back. I picked up one of the Hung On U bags last night at the merch stand. They are designed by none other than Mrs. Keith Richards (Patti Hansen, the supermodel!) to be easy to throw on, carry everything you need (wallet, tickets, sunnies, lipgloss, and sunscreen) Patti designed these bags during her Studio 54 days to make going from set to a night out on the town effortless, and chic. I highly recommend investing in a great bag like this for all of your concert needs.
Y'all, last night was hot. Nashville is notorious for our sticky summers. I kept this in mind when picking out my ensemble for last night. I picked up this stunning vintage mini tent dress from Pura Vida Vintage (www.puravidavintage.com) and paired it with the cork wedges I wore for our Tennessean shoot with the YB Plain Girls. Nathan wore a Dylan/Analog button down, Lucky Brand jeans, and a vintage conch belt, paired with vintage cowboy boots.
The tent mini was a stylish, yet practical way to beat the heat. Because it was short, and loose, it gave what little breeze there was a chance to get to me. Also, bonus with vintage is you can usually just rinse it out in the sink and hang-dry it! The lace wedges were made of cork, which provided me with a comfortable and supportive foundation to walk on. The floor seats had a temporary rubber floor laid down, and I knew it was going to be hard walking in my normal concert heels which look a little something like this:
If you are going to do a heel or a wedge, make sure that there is lots of support under the balls of your feet. Platforms under those piggies are the best way to guarantee your dogs won't be barking all night long. If you don't have Barbie feet like I do, and can manage to walk in flats, a nice pair of statement sandals will dress up any look you have instantly. Try a bold python print with a basic tee and jeans instead of your tennis shoes or flip flops. It'll elevate your look to the next level. I love a pair of boyfriend jeans with a black tee, a printed sandal, and a long necklace. Another option is always a fantastic pair of motorcycle boots like Patti is wearing in the photo above.
Rachel Zoe has gorgeous flat sandals that have a slight 70's vibe going on. Bonus! They're comfy!
Think outside the shorts and t-shirt combo!
Sweat pants are for sweating. Running shoes are for running. That's it. You've/someone who wants you to share this experience has paid a bit of money for you to be able to attend this show. Dress like you care, and not like you're waiting for your next Pilates class. Gym clothes have no place in rock n roll. I saw a LOT of ill fitting lycra shorts and boxy t-shirts last night, guys. You can dress up your staples with a lightweight kimono. My favorites come from a local store in Nashville called Trunk. Here I am modeling one on their Instagram that retails for $32! Add some texture with a geode necklace, and you are ready to rock. (Get it? Geode? Rock? Anybody?) Another alternative is you can always go vintage! I love a good pair of high waisted shorts (make sure they fit appropriately, ladies! Else this could get really unflattering really fast!) and a vintage tee. It's classic, effortless, and always stylish.
Carly Simon's got the right idea.
A lot of women are afraid of dresses. They seem like too much work or too fussy. When in reality? Dresses are the EASIEST THING EVER. You don't even have to wear pants! That's the best part! What better way to catch a breeze than to not wear pants? I like flowy, lightweight, and bold mini dresses for summer evening events because they offer a retro flair (unless you're wearing vintage, of course!) and they can be dressed up or down. I really like People Like Art and their t-shirt dresses. They are locally made out of sustainable fabrics, and are basically like wearing nothing. Trunk also has insanely comfortable dresses that are breathable. My favorite one also retails for $32 and has a cape attached! Throw on a bold statement necklace and strap some sandals on with them! You'll be cooler in temperature and look like a million bucks.
Behind the scenes of the last People Like Art 2015 Lookbook. I want to live in this dress!
This one is a vintage handkerchief dress that I stole from my mother's closet! It was perfect for Abbey Road on the River in Louisville over Memorial Day weekend.
Don't wear the band you are seeing's t-shirt to their own concert.
Come on, guys. Have a little more originality than that. Honestly, that's all I have to say about that.
SPF, primer, earplugs, and hairspray that holds!
Ladies, tanning is so passe. We all know it gives you skin cancer and wrinkles, and no one wants to look like a couch in a crop top. Be sure to wear an SPF of at least 15 (and make sure it's natural so none of those icky chemicals get in your body) and if you are like me, and love wearing makeup, be sure to set it with a primer. I use natural coco butter as a BB cream primer, and Bobbi Brown primer for my eyelids. Between that and my Dior Iconic mascara, my makeup stayed perfect all night. If you are a bare faced beauty, own it. But if you like a little glam, make sure it'll stay put. Even through your fan girl tears.
Also, ear plugs are a must to protect your precious ear drums from the shrieks and squeals! And a good hairspray will stand the test of your hair pulling.
Don't be scared to stand out a little this season. After all, half of rock n roll is looking cool. We have a few shows coming up this summer that I am really looking forward to seeing. Brian Wilson, Loretta Lynn, The Monkees to name a few...Looks like I'll have to shop some more. Happy concert going, readers! May your summer soundtrack be perfect, may your sunburns always be even,
And may your shorts and t-shirt combo always be accessorized to perfection.
Don't forget your sunscreen!
